Share This Page

YOKOSUKA, Japan (NNS) -- Guam Exercise (GUAMEX), an annual bilateral training exercise between the U.S. Navy and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), began Jan. 20 off the coast of Guam.

Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15 guided-missile destroyers, USS Mustin (DDG 89) and USS McCampbell (DDG 85), will practice tactical operations along with more than six ships from the JMSDF in a number of exercises including, an anti-air warfare exercise, anti-submarine warfare exercise, and anti-surface warfare exercise.

Maritime assets from the U.S. Navy and JMDSF will include ships, MH-60R Sea Hawk helicopters embarked on Mustin and McCampbell, Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Aircraft (MPRA), EA-18G Growlers, and a submarine.

"Our relationship with Japan is grounded in at-sea operations that we conduct with the JMSDF throughout the region," said Cmdr. Ed Sundberg, commanding officer of McCampbell. "It is critical that we learn from each other, so we can continue to improve each country's tactical expertise and response."

160117-N-JU970-863 PHILIPPINE SEA (Jan. 17, 2016) The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS McCampbell (DDG 85) fires a MK 45 5-inch lightweight gun during a live-fire exercise. McCampbell is on patrol in the U.S. 7th Fleet area of operation in support of security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Navy photo by Ensign Soon Kwon/Released)

The JMSDF ships include six destroyers and a destroyer command ship with helicopter landing pad. Although the U.S. is not participating in this exercise, despite having participated back in July 2014, the port at Apra Harbor was a suitable mooring port.